★★★★Kashmir Sight Seeing Tour
Kashmir Hill Station
Though, the whole of Jammu & Kashmir, India is pleasant, few of the places are truly a haven for the tourists to Jammu & Kashmir, India. Travel to the hill stations of Jammu & Kashmir and experience the outstanding heights and engaging climate. Tour to the hill stations of Kashmir and indulge in the most challenging wild sports in the mild surroundings. Enjoy the trips to Sonamarg and Patnitop in Kashmir , still uneplored. Enjoy every bit of it while on your most flavoured tour to Jammu & Kashmir. Reach few of the highest points of the world in Kashmir, India and be the most privileged to have seen this glittering crown of India - Jammu & Kashmir.
Sonmarg Hill Station
Location : Situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Altitude : 2,740 m
Major Importance : Hill Station
Best time to Visit : May To June in the Summers
At a height of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is the last major point in the Kashmir valley before the Zoji La pass into Ladakh . At the pass the green, lush Kashmiri landscape abruptly switches to the barren, dry landscape of Ladakh. Sonamarg is thus not only a good base for treks but also a jumping off point for trips into Ladakh.
The passage to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another bewitching facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2,740 m, Sonamarg in Kashmir is framed by snowy mountains against a sapphires sky. Sonamarg literally means the 'Meadow of Gold' and although this could be due to the profusion of flowers that wraps the meadow in the spring it is also possible that the name originates from Sonamarg's decisive trading position in the days when this was a main route into central Asia. The Sindh River flows through the place and is bountiful with Trout and Mahseer.
Arriving At Sonamarg
By Flight:
Sonamarg is in Srinagar District on the Srinagar Leh Highway, 81-km from Srinagar. The nearest airport is in Badgam District, connecting the capital city with all the major cities in India.
By Trackways
The nearest Railhead is at Jammu and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with India.
By Roadways
Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on National Highway NH1A. Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag, which leave at fixed time from the Bus stands. Taxis and other sort of transport can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rates.
Patnitop Hill Station
Location : 110 km From Jammu, J&K
Altitude : 2,024 m
Major Attractions : Trekking, Skiing & Aerosports
Best Time To Visit : Summer- May To June
The Beautiful Serene Hill Station
Patnitop a beautiful hill station in the state of Jammu & Kashmir is no less beautiful or serene. If one is aiming to get away from it all for some time, this place is hard to beat. With all its beauty as a hill station, it is a charming plateau at an altitude of 2, 024 m. The grassland is surrounded by dense forest and lush green Pines.
Arriving At Patnitop
By Roadways
Buses and taxis are available from Jammu, Katra, Udhampur. By a taxi it takes about 3 and a half hours to reach Patnitop and bus takes about 5 hours.
The Major Fascinations At Patnitop
Trekking
Picturesquely situated at a high altitude, there are many pleasant walks around this popular hill station. Patnitop is a good starting place for many short or longer treks into the nearby mountains. An attractive one-day walk is to Shiva Garh, about 11-km from Patnitop at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres.
Other Fascinations At Patnitop
Patnitop is a perfect spot for walks and picnics. Sanasar, 19-km away was chosen by J&K Tourism for major development. Situated in a Gulmarg-like meadow it has picnic spots around. The 6-hole golf course is being expanded to 9-holes.
Pony rides along little known trails, camping and walks can be indulged in by those with a less adventurous interest. One who is interested in extreme sports can opt for Para gliding and basic skiing, introduces in recent years.
Srinagar Hill Station
Location : 56-km From Srinagar, Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir Significance: Capital Of Jammu & Kashmir Main Attractions : Houseboats & Mughal Gardens Best Time To Visit : In Summer - June To Early November; In Winter - December To Februar Srinagar, the crowning glory of hill stations, is the celebrated capital city of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is called the city of lakes, which has facinated tourist's from centuries, with its beautiful picturesque Himalayan backdrop, glittering lakes that are surrounded by houseboats and Shikaras and the grandeur of Mughal architectural. This summer capital of the state Jammu & Kashmir is also a business centre and a favourite oliday resort.
The Major Fascinations at Gulmarg
Golf Club
Gulmarg boasts of a magnificent grassy golf course that is the world's highest too. One can even hire the golf sets from Gulmarg too. The Golf Club offers short-term memberships to the players.
Trekking
Gulmarg is an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be viewed to the north from several view points, including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the woody hillside from Gulmarg.
Skiing
Gulmarg is amongst the best skiing resorts in India. Gulmarg is also a good skiing sight for learners. Ski enthusiasts can easily get all required gear and equipments as well as professional ski instructors in Gulmarg, to try out a hand on skiing. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provide by the Gondola Cable Car Lift, where skiers can swoosh down the slopes from the height of 2, 213m.
Excursions from Gulmarg
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves
This is located at a distance of 48-km from Srinagar, to the southwest of Gulmarg. It is famous for storing several rare and endangered species such as the musk deer, and a brilliant and varied fauna.
Alpather Lake
This lake is frozen until mid-June and even later in the year one can see rocks of ice floating in its cold waters.
Pahalgam Hill Station
Location : In the state of Jammu & Kashmir Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river. Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with astounding views. Today, Pahalgam is Kashmir's prime tourist resort. It is cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 degree C. Pahalgam is bountiful with many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking.
Adventure Sports At Pahalgam
Trekking
The ambience of Pahalgam offer exciting trekking opportunities, the best known being Pahalgam-handanwari-Sheshnag- Panchtarni- Amarnath Cave Temple- Sonamarg trek.
Golf
Pahalgam Club has a 9-hole golf course, which can be used by tourists. Golf sets can be hired from the Tourist Office.
Fishing
One can go for fishing in the Lidder.